Sixways Redevelopment Deemed Essential for Professional Rugby’s Return

The proprietors of Worcester Warriors have stated that the commercial revitalization of the Sixways location is central to their initiatives aimed at reinstating professional rugby. A two-week public consultation concerning these proposals is currently in progress, with an informational gathering having been conducted at Sixways on Tuesday. Last month, Junction 6 Ltd announced its intention to submit a planning application by Christmas. Speaking at Tuesday’s event, Oliver Holland of Loxwood Holdings – the company behind Junction 6 – remarked: “We can create a real sense of place at Sixways and establish it as a venue in its own right.” Mr. Holland, whose father Christopher assumed control of the club after its previous owners, Atlas, entered administration, indicated that a rugby club by itself is not sustainable. “If you look at the history of the Premiership in recent years the clubs themselves have had to have large cash injections just to… keep running,” he said. He continued: “So the idea for this is that we generate capital for the club and also ongoing revenue so the club can return sustainably.” The proposals for Sixways encompass the expansion of the north stand to increase the stadium’s capacity, a multi-storey car park, an events centre, six padel courts, and a new corporate hospitality offering, which includes a 120-bed hotel. “I think a big part of what makes our model work is the ability to generate extra income,” Mr. Holland stated, “using [the stadium] as an events facility, using it for conferencing and really making this asset work.” “It’s pretty much all or nothing for us,” he affirmed, adding that “wholesale development across the site” was necessary to finance the rugby club. Mr. Holland further mentioned that feedback received during the consultation period has been “incredibly positive” thus far, particularly from Warriors fans. He noted: “We’ve had a number of interested former season ticket holders who have expressed a desire to retain their previous seat.” The public consultation is scheduled to conclude on 16 December. For updates, follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.